RIVER BEND COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #2 1110 3 RD STREET FULTON, IL 61252 BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MAY BOARD MEETING River Bend Community Unit District #2 May 20, 2013 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of River Bend Community Unit School District #2, Whiteside County, Illinois, was held on May 20, 2013, at the River Bend District Office. President Portz called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Upon Roll Call by the Secretary the following members were present: Nick Crosthwaite, Eric Fish, Benjy Grant, Mike Ottens, and Dan Portz. Absent: Chris Barnett and Jane Orman-Luker. Others present: Dr. Robert Chuck Holliday, Superintendent and Virginia Petersen, Recording Secretary. President Portz led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Additions to the agenda: None. It was moved by Member Portz, seconded by Member Crosthwaite, to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote, all yea, motion carried. President Portz welcomed all visitors including Elizabeth Byam, Stacy Gates, Chris Grant, Amy Heyvaert, Renee Mason, Rick Mason, Dorothy Sheldon, David Stage, Erin Stern, and Kyle Wiebenga. Principals: Loren Beswick, Liz Peterson, and Kathleen Schipper. RBEA Representative: Lionel McCallister. Media Representative: Samantha Pidde, Clinton Herald. President Portz asked if anyone would like to speak as part of public forum. RBEA requested the Teacher Handbook be updated and posted on the webpage so teachers are clear what is expected of them. There is confusion on the list serve features of Power School. Dr. Holliday confirmed the list serve will only send voice mail. If Coaches and Teachers prefer to send text messages they may send a text to the parents who can then send the text to their children. Kyle Wiebenga, Fulton High School Student Council Representative, informed the Board of Student Council sponsored events. The Student Council has determined the theme for homecoming will be Under the Sea. President Portz asked what Student Council s major accomplishment was and Kyle indicated it was Haunted School and the dances. (Member Orman-Luker and Member Barnett entered at 6:36 P.M.) David Stage and Kyle Wiebenga presented pictures and events of the Spanish IV field trip sponsored by the River Bend Educational Foundation. Dorothy Sheldon, Speech Pathologist, presented on the National Speech Conference she attended thanks to the Board and the River Bend Educational Foundation.
Amy Heyvaert, Media Specialist, reviewed the updated PrairieCat intergovernmental agreement that requires board approval. Dr. Holliday presented the Superintendent s Evaluation Goals Progress. Dr. Holliday indicated he would like to spend some time on EPAS at the next meeting. Principal evaluations for the 2013-14 school year will begin this summer. In regard to finances the Teacher s Health Insurance System (THIS) contribution district portion and teacher portion will increase. In defense of the State Board of Education, they are making a case for funding of education. Principal s reports were included in the packet. Ms. Peterson indicated today was DARE graduation and distributed pictures of the Fulton Elementary School therapy dog, Ben. Ms. Peterson introduced the new Pre-K Special Education Teacher, Erin Stern. Mrs. Schipper indicated the Middle School awards night went well and is now preparing for 8 th grade promotion. Mr. Beswick indicated May has been a busy month with awards night, senior pride week, and graduation. Dr. Holliday has had several calls and conversations with Board members and indicated all comments are appreciated. The Principals updated the Board on Common Core Standards. The Middle School Teachers have been working on the units. Scope and sequence is done in both math and science. The elementary teachers have appreciated the time given to them to work on Common Core. English/Language Arts and math are unpacked except for one level. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Illinois Next Generation Science Standards have been introduced and training opportunities for middle school and high school teachers will be available this summer. Dr. Holliday reported enrollment is down a total of twenty-one students for the year which equates to approximately $20,000 in General State Aid. Dr. Holliday informed the Board that the district has received the Final Tax Computation Report. The Rate Setting Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) is $103,365,716.00 resulting in $19,299.97 more than the Assumption EAV. Our final tax computation is $4,831,727.05. This is $481.96 less than the final tax computation for school year 2012 13. The final tax computation for discretionary funds (Education, Buildings and Maintenance, Transportation, Working Cash, Special Education and Lease) is $3,555,780.63; $46,204.02 less than school year 2012 13. Dr. Holliday informed the Board IDEA requires all states to make determinations on the performance of their local districts with regard to the provision of special education and related services. The Illinois State Board of Education has reviewed the following data from the 2011-2012 school year and has determined that River Bend CUSD #2 received the designation of meets requirements in implementing all of the IDEA requirements. Dr. Holliday reported on behalf of R.A.C.E. The majority of the discussion revolved around the purpose of R.A.C.E. for next year. The committee will concentrate on assessment, curriculum and instruction. Guiding documents will be Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics, the Illinois Next Generation Science Standards and Charlotte Danielson s Framework for Teaching. The agenda will regularly include student learning growth data and student work samples. A 2
district Parent Advisory and Education Group will be formed cooperatively by representative parents and district principals. The parent group will be different than R.A.C.E. It was suggested short videos be developed on important topics that parents can view. Member Orman-Luker reported on behalf of the Foundation. The Foundation had their last meeting for the year. They discussed changes in regard to the set-up for the Academic Excellence and new Board members being invited to join in the fall. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Teacher Evaluation Committee has determined that the four (4) Domains and 22 Components will be equally weighted. Domain scores will be determined by converting ratings to numbers 1 4, adding the numbers and dividing by the number of components in the Domain. Overall Teacher Practice scores will be calculated by converting ratings to numbers 1 4, then adding the 22 component numbers and then dividing by 22. The evaluation committee will meet in July to finalize the documents to be used and prepare for informing teachers of the documents and process. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Policy Committee has reviewed the PRESS recommended updates and recommends approval of the first reading. Another meeting will be necessary to review other polices requested by Board Members for review. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Building and Grounds Committee met on May 13, 2013, and discussed summer cleaning, maintenance priorities, and schedules. Member Barnett and Grant did building walk throughs prior to the meeting. A list of repairs and improvements will be developed and brought to the Board for consideration and approval. Member Barnett is researching computer programs that can assist in tracking maintenance, inventories, and work orders. Priorities are repairing the heaters in the gym so they work as designed, reconstructing the area on the north side of the high school that has washed out, and adjusting windows at the high school so they can only open so far. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Transportation Committee met May 13, 2013, to further discuss pick-up and drop-off options at the Fulton Elementary School and Middle School. It would cost approximately $50,000 to construct a pick-up and drop-off area at the Middle School. The Committee recommended allowing vehicles to pull into the elementary school drive after the busses have left to alleviate some of the congestion on the streets south of the elementary school rather than constructing a new dropoff/pick-up area. Dr. Holliday informed the board that registration and housing forms for the 2013 Joint Annual Conference will be available online on June 10, 2013. Due to budget cuts if Board Members would like to attend the conference it would be at their own expense. Jane Orman-Luker expressed an interest in attending. A Special Meeting Date will be set to hear testimony regarding the renewal of the Physical Education Waiver after verifying that this cannot occur on the same night as a regular board meeting. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Power Announcement list serve only has the capability of voice messages. The only way to allow text messaging through the system is to allow coaches access to Power School. The Board does not want coaches accessing Power School. They can send voice messages or text parents. 3
It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Barnett, to approve the consent agenda including the April 15, 2013, Regular Meeting, and April 29, 2013, Special Called Meeting Minutes, as printed; April Treasurer s Report; and May Bills Recommended for Payment subject to audit. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member Fish, to approve the PrairieCat Intergovernmental Agreement. Roll Call: Consideration of the student/parent handbooks was tabled until the policy committee can meet. Dr. Holliday informed the Board the only changes to the Fulton High School Course Descriptions for the school year 2013-2014 are the classes that correspond to the Common Core State Standards. It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Barnett, to approve the Fulton High School Course Descriptions for the school year 2013-2014. Roll Call: Dr. Holliday recommended increasing the K-5 registration fee to $75 to include the cost for handbooks and agendas. He also recommended increasing the lunch prices by ten cents to conform with the USDA calculation for assuring free/reduced meal reimbursements do not support paid meals. It was moved by Member Barnett, seconded by Member Fish, to establish the school year 2013-14 registration, extracurricular, and meal fees with the following changes from the 2012-13 fees and prices: K- 5 registration increase from $70 to $75, increase K-5 Lunch from $2.15 to $2.25, increase 6-12 Lunch from $2.40 to $2.50, and increase Second and Adult Lunch from $2.90 to $3.00. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Crosthwaite, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to approve first reading of select policy updates: 4:15, 4:140, 4:170, 5:50, 5:260, 5:330, 6:170, 6:190, 6:220, 6:240, 7:190, 7:305, 8:20, and 8:25. Voice vote, all yea, motion carried. Consideration of purchase of girls basketball jerseys using concession funds was tabled until more information can be obtained. 4
Dr. Holliday informed the Board the Treasurer s Bond and the Life Safety/Working Cash Bond insurance needs to be renewed. The current carrier, Nixon Insurance Agency, Inc. has quoted the insurance at the same cost as last year of $1,741 and $100 annual premium. It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member Grant, to approve Nixon Insurance Agency, Inc., for the Treasurer s Bond with a limit of $2,000,000 and an annual premium of $1,741, and the Life Safety/Working Cash Bond with a limit of $50,000 and an annual premium of $100 for Virginia Petersen, effective July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. Roll Call: Dr. Holliday informed the Board that the Three Rivers Cafeteria Cooperative including Erie, Morrison, Prophetstown/Lyndon/Tampico, River Bend, Riverdale, and West Carroll had their bread and milk bid opening on May 16, 2013, in Riverdale. The Three Rivers Cooperative recommended to accept the apparent low bid from Enyeart Distributors for milk and Bimbo Foods, Inc. (Sara Lee products) for bread. There is always an escalator clause in the contracts so the prices may go up. It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Crosthwaite, to accept Enyeart Distributing as apparent low bidder for milk products and Bimbo Foods, Inc. as apparent low bidder for bread products. Roll Call: Dr. Holliday recommended renewing the annual membership with IHSA at no cost to the District. It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member Fish, to renew membership in the Illinois High School Association, and to adopt and abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, Terms and Conditions, and Administrative Procedures, Guidelines and Policies of the Illinois High School Association for the year of July 1, 2013, through June30, 2014. Roll Call: Consideration and action regarding the sale of real property was reserved until after closed session. Personnel items were reserved until after closed session. It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member Barnett, to move into closed session for the purposes of discussing matters concerning the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; Pending Litigation; and Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the open Meetings Act, whether for the purpose of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes at 8:16 P.M. Roll Call: 5
Member Crosthwaite, yea Member Orman-Luker, yea It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Portz, to move out of closed session for the purposes of discussing matters concerning the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; Pending Litigation; and Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the open Meetings Act, whether for the purpose of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes at 12:15 A.M. Roll Call: Action following and related to closed session: It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to approve the April 15, 2013, Regular Meeting Closed Session Minutes and April 29, 2013 Special Called Meeting Minutes as presented. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member, to approve the resignation of Laurie May, Bus Driver, effective the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member Fish, to accept the resignation of Benjy Grant as River Bend Middle School Wrestling Coach, effective April 10, 2013. Roll Call: Member Barnett, yea Member Grant, abstain Member Portz, yea It was moved by Member Crosthwaite, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to accept the resignation of Robert Foster, Night Cleaner at Fulton High School, effective April 19, 2013. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to accept the resignation of Heather McIlrath, English teacher at Fulton High School, effective the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Roll Call: 6
It was moved by Member Barnett, seconded by Member Fish, to approve the following spring extra duty assignments for the 2013-2014 school year: LEVEL II LEVEL III LEVEL IV VARSITY BOYS TRACK... Mike Ankrom VARSITY GIRLS TRACK... Tim Wessels VARSITY SOFTBALL... Jennifer Pepper ASSISTANT HS TRACK... Nathan Vandermyde SOPHOMORE BASEBALL... Mark Farrell SOPHOMORE SOFTBALL... Roger Smith MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK BOYS... Lynn Schipper MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK GIRLS...... Jenna Copeland LEVEL V MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT TRACK... Erica Ernst Roll Call: It was moved by Member Barnett, seconded by Member Crosthwaite, to re-hire Jayme Farrell as Varsity Baseball Coach for the 2013-2014 school year. Roll Call: Member Barnett, yea Member Grant, nay Member Portz, nay Member Crosthwaite, abstain Member Orman-Luker, nay Member Fish, nay Member Ottens, nay Motion Not Carried (Not rehired). It was moved by Member Barnett, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to hire RJ Coffey as Fulton High School Varsity Boys Basketball Coach for the 2013-2014 school year. Roll Call: Member Barnett, yea Member Grant, nay Member Portz, yea Member Fish, nay It was moved by Member Barnett, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to accept with regret the resignation of Angie Curtis, Language Arts Teacher at River Bend Middle School, effective the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Roll Call: 7
Member Crosthwaite, yea Member Orman-Luker, yea It was moved by Member Fish, seconded by Member Orman-Luker, to hire Erin Stern as Pre-K Special Education Teacher at Fulton Blended Pre-School for the 2013-2014 school year. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Ottens, seconded by Member Barnett, to rescind the April 12, 2013, dated Resolution for the Dismissal of a 4 th year Probationary Teacher. Roll Call: Member Crosthwaite, abstain Member Orman-Luker, yea It was moved by Member Crosthwaite, seconded by Member Grant, to create and advertise the position of Fulton High School Assistant Principal and District Activities/Athletic Director. Roll Call: It was moved by Member Orman-Luker, seconded by Member Portz, to approve the resolution authorizing the sale of real property located at 1200 13 th Avenue, Fulton IL and set the minimum bid at $27,000. Roll Call: The next Regular Board Meeting will be held Monday, June 17, 2013, at the River Bend District Office. It was moved by Member Barnett, seconded by Member Fish, to adjourn the meeting at 12:30 A.M. Voice vote, all yea, motion carried. Dan Portz, President Eric Fish, Secretary Board of Education Board of Education River Bend Unit District #2 River Bend Unit District #2 Whiteside County Whiteside County 8